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The Snake Mackerel (Gempylus serpens) is a highly elongated, predatory marine fish belonging to the family Gempylidae. It is characterized by its snake-like body, prominent teeth, and a distinctive finlet arrangement. This species is a fast-swimming, mesopelagic to epipelagic predator found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- eel-like
- Coloration
- Dorsal side is dark metallic blue to brownish-black, fading to silvery on the flanks and belly. Fins are dusky.
- Scale type
- none
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Extremely elongated, compressed body, tapering towards the tail., Large mouth with strong, sharp, fang-like teeth in both jaws., Two widely separated dorsal fins, followed by 5-7 finlets., Anal fin similar to the second dorsal fin, also followed by 5-7 finlets., Pelvic fins are very small and located beneath the pectoral fins., Lateral line is single and straight, running close to the ventral profile for most of its length, then curving upwards towards the caudal peduncle.
- Dorsal fin
- First dorsal fin with 26-32 spines; second dorsal fin with 10-14 soft rays, followed by 5-7 finlets. The first dorsal fin is much longer than the second.
- Tail fin
- Forked caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Small, located low on the body.
- Distinctive fins
- Presence of 5-7 dorsal and anal finlets posterior to the main dorsal and anal fins.
Identification Tips
Body Shape
Look for the extremely elongated, snake-like body, which is highly compressed laterally.
Teeth
Observe the prominent, sharp, fang-like teeth in both jaws, indicative of its predatory nature.
Finlets
Count the 5-7 finlets behind both the second dorsal and anal fins, a key characteristic of the Gempylidae family.
Lateral Line
Note the unusual lateral line, which runs close to the belly for most of its length before curving upwards near the tail.
Dorsal Fins
Identify the two widely separated dorsal fins, with the first being significantly longer than the second.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Epipelagic to mesopelagic, typically found from the surface down to 600 meters (2,000 feet), but can range deeper.
- Environment
- Oceanic, pelagic, found in open waters far from coastlines. Undertakes diel vertical migrations, moving closer to the surface at night to feed.
- Geographic range
- Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, between approximately 40°N and 40°S latitudes.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: expert
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: Not suitable for home aquaria due to size, pelagic nature, and specialized feeding habits.
- Temperature: Not applicable
- pH level: Not applicable
- Hardness: Not applicable
- Compatibility: Not applicable
- Special requirements: Requires vast open ocean environments, deep-water access, and live prey. Not suitable for captivity.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: No distinct seasonality in its distribution; present year-round in suitable habitats, though local abundance may vary.
- Market price: Variable, generally low to moderate as bycatch or for specific markets.
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Mild, somewhat oily.
- Texture: Firm, flaky.
- Cooking methods: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Smoked
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, it can accumulate wax esters, which may cause digestive upset in some individuals if consumed in large quantities (similar to escolar).
Key Facts
Diel Vertical Migrationbehavior
Snake Mackerel undertake daily vertical migrations, ascending to shallower waters at night to feed on migrating prey and descending to deeper waters during the day.
Voracious Predatorbehavior
Equipped with formidable teeth, the Snake Mackerel is a highly efficient and voracious predator, feeding on a variety of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Global Distributionamazing
This species has one of the widest distributions among oceanic fishes, found in tropical and subtropical waters across all major oceans.
Wax Ester Contentinteresting
Like some other gempylids, its flesh contains high levels of indigestible wax esters, which can act as a natural laxative if consumed in large amounts.
Bycatch Speciesinteresting
While not a primary target, Snake Mackerel are frequently caught as bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries targeting tuna and swordfish.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Exercise caution when handling due to its sharp, fang-like teeth, which can inflict painful bites. Use gloves and appropriate tools if necessary. The flesh contains wax esters, which can cause gastrointestinal distress (keriorrhea) in sensitive individuals if consumed in large quantities. It is advisable to consume in moderation, especially for first-time eaters.
Similar Species
Escolar
Lepidocybium flavobrunneum
Escolar has a more robust, less elongated body, a single, continuous dorsal fin (though deeply notched), and lacks the distinct finlets of the Snake Mackerel. Its lateral line is also less ventrally positioned.
Oilfish
Ruvettus pretiosus
Oilfish is much heavier-bodied and less elongated than the Snake Mackerel. It has a rough, sandpaper-like skin due to large, bony scales, and its dorsal and anal fins are followed by only 2 finlets, compared to 5-7 in Gempylus serpens.
Black Snake Mackerel
Nealotus tripes
Nealotus tripes is a smaller species, generally not exceeding 30 cm. It has a more slender body and a different arrangement of finlets and lateral line, though also belonging to the Gempylidae family.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scombriformes
- Family
- Gempylidae
- Genus
- Gempylus
- Species
- serpens
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